Oregon is full of unimaginably beautiful places: extraordinary nature scenes that will take your breath away. And while many of these wonders require a bit of effort to enjoy (an intense hike or carefully organized road trip, for example) there is one magnificent overlook in Oregon that simply asks travelers to take a detour. Located off a popular Oregon byway, Crown Point State Scenic Corridor and the Vista House offer the most incredible panoramas of the Columbia River Gorge. All you need to do to enjoy this scenery is veer off an exit ramp and be open to a little adventure.
Each year, visitors flock from all over the country to revel in the resplendence of the Columbia River Gorge.
Northwest Power and Conservation Council/Flickr
The Columbia River Gorge is one of the PNW’s most wondrous places.
RyanJLane/E+ Collection via Getty Images It reaches up to 4,000 feet deep in some areas, and the canyon stretches out over 80 miles as the eponymous river winds through the Cascades.
Along the Historic Columbia River Highway, there are several scenic overlooks where travelers can stop and enjoy the views.
Tony Webster/Flickr
But there’s one place in particular that take these epic views to another level entirely.
David Prasad/Flickr
This rocky promontory perched 693 feet above the Columbia River is known as Crown Point State Scenic Corridor – and its crown jewel is the Vista House.
Christmas w/a K/Flickr Vista House opened in 1918 as a “comfort stop” for those traveling the scenic highway.
This structure, dubbed a “$100,000 outhouse” by disgruntled locals, was not your standard rest stop.
Rwatzig/Wikipedia Featuring marble floors, an ornate, octagonal ceiling, and stained glass windows, the Vista House was—and is—an architectural masterpiece.
Today, Crown Point Vista House is a century-old observatory, rest stop, and museum. It’s a beloved Oregon landmark, listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Calvin Hodgson/Flickr And visiting this historic place is truly an experience. So as you’re traveling around the Scenic Columbia River Highway, take a detour at Exit 22—you won’t regret it.
The panoramas offered here are unparalleled, making this magnificent overlook in Oregon bucket-list worthy.
Tiger635/Wikipedia
From its perch high above the majestic Columbia River, the Vista House is a vision, almost heavenly.
Bob Krist/The Image Bank via Getty Images
So the next time you’re driving along the Columbia River Highway, do yourself a favor and take a little detour.
Luke Detwiler/Flickr
Because you never know what’s around the corner.
Danielle Henry/Flickr But if you’re in Oregon, you know it will be something absolutely beautiful.
Learn more about the historic treasure that is the Vista House in our recent article. Please note, the Vista House itself is currently closed; however, Crown Point State Scenic Corridor and the scenic overlook at the historic house are open.
Northwest Power and Conservation Council/Flickr
RyanJLane/E+ Collection via Getty Images
It reaches up to 4,000 feet deep in some areas, and the canyon stretches out over 80 miles as the eponymous river winds through the Cascades.
Tony Webster/Flickr
David Prasad/Flickr
Christmas w/a K/Flickr
Vista House opened in 1918 as a “comfort stop” for those traveling the scenic highway.
Rwatzig/Wikipedia
Featuring marble floors, an ornate, octagonal ceiling, and stained glass windows, the Vista House was—and is—an architectural masterpiece.
Calvin Hodgson/Flickr
And visiting this historic place is truly an experience. So as you’re traveling around the Scenic Columbia River Highway, take a detour at Exit 22—you won’t regret it.
Tiger635/Wikipedia
Bob Krist/The Image Bank via Getty Images
Luke Detwiler/Flickr
Danielle Henry/Flickr
But if you’re in Oregon, you know it will be something absolutely beautiful.
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Address: Crown Point State Scenic Corridor, 40700 Crown Point Hwy, Corbett, OR 97019, USA
